Anti-Money Laundering Certificate: How to get AML Certificate

Regulatory scrutiny is stricter than ever and anti-money laundering schemes are at the heart of global compliance. Professionals in banking, fintech, law and auditing need an anti-money laundering certificate to provide better security for organisations and boost their career prospects. 

If you’re wondering how to get AML certificate, keep reading this article. This piece explores the benefits of getting an AML certificate, a step-by-step guide to gaining one and the best platforms to train.

What Is an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Certificate?

An Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Certificate is a professional document that proves that you are an expert in detecting, preventing and reporting money laundering and terrorist financing activities. It endorses an individual or institution as one that has gone through the necessary AML compliance training and certification. This training exercise covers global regulations, risk assessment, suspicious activity reporting and customer due diligence.
 

With tighter regulatory expectations, professionals in the fintech, law, banking and accounting sectors seek to obtain AML certifications. An AML certificate equips you with the skills and expertise to comply with international laws and protect businesses against financial crime.

Why You Need an AML Certificate in Today’s Financial World?

According to the Global Economic Crime Survey by PwC in 2024, it was discovered that about 51% of financial institutions experienced economic crime in the last two years with money laundering amongst the leading threats. This is just a pointer to the desperate need to pursue AML certification for professionals to improve and establish their expertise and credibility. 
 

Here are some reasons why getting an AML certificate is important in today’s economic sector: 

1. Regulatory compliance 

Many regulators like the Financial Action Task Force require an AML compliance training and certification for compliance officers, auditors and risk managers of law, finance and banking institutions. This is to ensure that there are working systems available to help check and mitigate AML fraud.

2. Career Advancement

If you are in the cybersecurity sector and you’re looking for how to provide more value and advance your career, an AML certificate is non-negotiable.  AML-certified professionals can gain salaries that are up to 30% higher than non-certified peers in similar compliance roles.

3. Global opportunities

Recognised AML certifications open opportunities in international markets, especially in the UK, US, EU and APAC regions. This is because certified organisations communicate a higher level of security and integrity. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an AML Certification: How to Get AML Certificate

While many may know the importance of an AML certification and desire one, it can be a struggle to get a clear roadmap on how to do so. If you are asking, “How to get an AML certificate?” Here’s a simple yet clear guide on how to obtain one: 

1. Step 1: Understand the requirements

Most AML certification requirements include: 

• A bachelor’s degree in law, finance, accounting or other related fields. However, some programs may accept experience instead.
• 1-3 years of relevant work experience in compliance, auditing or financial services.
• Completion of the required AML certificate courses.

Step 2: Choose between online and physical training

Many training institutions offer anti-money laundering certification online which is more flexible for working professionals. E-learning modules typically include all necessary materials to ensure training is complete such as case studies, assessments and practical simulations. However, you can still do physical training if you learn better in such circumstances. 

Step 3: Enroll in an accredited program

It is wise to search for the best AML certification program accredited by globally recognised organisations like the Association of Certified Anti-money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS)  or the International Compliance Association (ICA).

Step 4: Complete the training modules

Typical AML certification training modules include: 

• Global AML laws and regulations
• Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
• Transaction monitoring systems
• Sanctions compliance
• Suspicious activity reporting (SAR)

Step 5: Take the exams

Most exams last about 2-3 hours and are based on tests for your knowledge of regulations. Real-world AML scenarios, risk management and every other training module used in the program.

Step 6: Maintain certification

Many training providers offer recertification every 2-3 years through continued education. This ensures professionals stay updated with evolving AML frameworks and countermeasures to combat these threats.

Top AML Certification Programs and Providers

When considering where to get AML certificate, here are some of the top AML certification programs in 2025:

1. Youverify AML & Compliance Training Modules

Youverify’s resource section provides you with the necessary and detailed material on the various topics taught in a formal training module. Topics like suspicious activity reporting, customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence and AML compliance are all available on the Youverify blog.

2. Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)

CAMS is a globally recognised and gold standard in AML certification for professionals. It covers foundations in AML, sanctions, and risk-based approaches to be used in compliance. You can take the course in person or via anti-money laundering certification online platforms.

3. International Diploma in Anti-money Laundering (ICA)

This course is best for senior compliance officers and managers as it focuses on governance, regulatory frameworks and financial crime prevention.

4. Certified Financial Crime Specialists (CFCS) 

The CFCS provides a broader view than just AML. It focuses on fraud, cybercrime, corruption and sanctions compliance. It is a great option for professionals who want a comprehensive AML compliance training and certification.

8. Chartered Banker Institute's AML and Financial Crime Prevention Certificate

This body is stronger in the UK and Commonwealth regions. It blends theory with practical risk assessment providing learners with a wholesome view of AML compliance.

What are the Benefits of AML Certification?

Getting an AML certificate goes beyond just ticking a box. There are significant advantages to it such as: 

1. Credibility

Certified professionals inspire more trust among employers and regulators. They exude a higher level of integrity and commitment to security standards, thereby increasing prospects.

2. Better salary prospects

Financial institutions will reward a certified employee with higher pay because they can provide more value by spotting and mitigating AML risks and threats. 

3. Stronger risk management

Organisations that are AML-certified can easily spot and report breaches, which can result in a significant decrease in AML threats up to 30%.

4. Career growth

AML-certified professionals are more likely to secure better and more advanced compliance roles. Surveys have shown that because of the high demand for AML compliance specialists, companies are willing to pay more for such experts.

Bottom Line

Knowing how to get an AML certificate is important and almost critical for a career in cybersecurity. Understanding AML certificate requirements and choosing the best AML certification programs are important steps in getting an anti-money laundering certificate online.

Whether you are just starting your journey in compliance or aiming for a higher role, getting an AML certificate boosts your credibility, prospects and ability to secure organisations against financial crimes. By investing in Youverify’s resources on AML compliance, you can gain wider knowledge of AML and be a more valued asset to your organisation. 

At Youverify, we go beyond theory. Our AML compliance tools and resources give you the practical edge to apply what you’ve learned and stand out in your career. Ready to see how? Book a demo today and discover how Youverify can help you turn AML knowledge into measurable impact.